Publisher's Summary

Brutally kidnapped and separated in childhood, Tommo and Hawk are reunited at the age of 15 in Hobart Town. Together, they escape their troubled pasts and set off on a journey into manhood. From whale hunting in the Pacific to the Maori wars of New Zealand, from the Rocks in Sydney to the miners' riots at the goldfields, Tommo and Hawk must learn each other's strengths and weaknesses in order to survive.

Along the way, Hawk meets the outrageous Maggie Pye, who brings love and laughter into his life. But the demons of Tommo's past return to haunt the brothers. With Tommo at his side, Hawk takes on a fight against all odds to save what they cherish most. In the final confrontation between good and evil, three magpie feathers become the symbol of Tommo and Hawk's rite of passage.

What the Critics Say

"Narrator Humphrey Bower captures each character, making listeners forget that one majestic voice creates the various natives, the Irish, the English, and people of all ages. Few will fail to be enthralled by this adventure saga, which skillfully captures history while keeping listeners glued to their earphones." (Audiofile)

The narration in this book is wonderful. I became entranced in the many different characters with many different accents. The story was excellent, but I have to say, as with the Potato Factory, I felt the story just stopped. Although both books pick up where the other left off, I sort of wanted an end of Tommo and Hawk"s story at the end of the book. However, it just gave me more reason to immediatly start the third book, Solomon's Song and find out what happened to the family next.

18 of 18 people found this review helpful

Donald

Evanston, IL, USA

23/02/07

Overall

"'Excellent'"

This is by far to date the best listenening experience I've had since joining Audible. The
author is now on my top 10 list and the narration
was spectacular. It was very difficult to turn off my audio player because I would close my eyes
and feel like I was in another place & time.

12 of 12 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

3/10/06

Overall

"Tommo and Hawke"

I was never a big fan of fiction, but the way Bryce writes making the events and adventure so real I find myself trying to look up facts on the characters. This book is brilliant, I had no idea this was part of a trilogy and have made a request to Audible to get the last book (requests can be made from the Contact Us at the bottom of the web page) and I'm currently downloading the first.

11 of 11 people found this review helpful

Louise

WINTON, CA, USA

19/10/06

Overall

"Excellent"

Can't get any better than a Bryce Courtenay novel narrated by Humphrey Bower. The characters are already colorful and unique and Humphrey gives each their voice. Hated to see this one end but I suspect a third is on its way. Hope it's soon.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

Mandy

Ventura, CA, USA

10/02/09

Overall

"Heartwrenching"

I loved The Potato Factory and was eager to continue the story of the Solomon family in Tommo & Hawk. Mostly enjoyed this story, though there seemed to be more of the narrator telling the story rather than the characters. It basically centers around Tommo and Hawk's relationship and a lot of time is spent in New Zealand where they get involved in the Maori Wars. I found that part the most interesting and it made me want to learn more about that country's history.

8 of 8 people found this review helpful

january

Rock Hill, SC

12/02/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"I love you, Bryce Courtenay!"

I bought the Potato Factory with my monthly credit. What a great deal! Phhhffffttthhhh... No 6 hour novel for me. I'm getting 23 hours of Audible magic for FREE!!! That's what I thought, until only three days after spending my bright and shiny new credit, I finished the book. NOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, I had to suck it up and buy this book. Jeez. 21 hours of book isn't cheep. Let's see. 21, divided by....carry the one....equals...86 cents per hour. Ok. I guess that's not too bad. I would have paid twice that. Ssshhhh... Don't tell Audible. But really, the book was worth every penny.

So, here's what the books about:

Hey! Let's go hunt whales! Yeah. That sucked. But being wrongly imprisoned and likely being hanged for murder sucks worse. Wait. What's that? The Maori saved us. Well, since we're already here, let's teach them better ways to win fights with these a**hole white guys who won't quit trying to take their land. Also, let's get with the ladies. They're hot! (Tragedy and sadness and spoilers.) Now we're in Sydney. Let's play cards and do drugs and drink stuff. Oh yes, and meet women, feed poor kids, save some Mongolians (or are they Chinese?) from a mob, try to earn some legal money, and become a bare knuckles boxing champion. And finally, once and for all, take down the mongrels.

It's like Forrest Gump goes to Australia. If it had been any other writer, the book would have failed miserably. But Bryce Courtenay is a genius. It's never unbelievable, but it is often tragic. I was boohooing within the first three minutes. As with the first book, the sex scenes bothered me. I may have the punctuation skills of a child, but I am an adult. An adult with a dirty mouth even. But, phew! Those sex scenes make me blush. Go on, Mr. Courtenay! Get your freak on!

Great! Now I'm done with the second book, and only six days since I got my last credit. Ok. No more Starbuck's or fancy nails for me. I'm saving my pennies for the next book.

13 of 14 people found this review helpful

Margaret

San Francisco, CA USA

4/06/12

Overall

Performance

Story

"The Solomon Saga Continues.."

What did you love best about Tommo and Hawk?

The devotion between the brothers gave this book a real emotional ballast that elevated it above a daring adventure tale.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hawk as a boxer with Maggie Pie and Mary Abacus at the fight was unforgettable.

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

EVERYTHING! Very talented voice artist.

Who was the most memorable character of Tommo and Hawk and why?

I won't forget any of them. Even the return of Sparrow Fart from the first book. Even Ikey got a cameo. Amazing!

Any additional comments?

Really worth listening to the series in order. This is book two of three.

8 of 9 people found this review helpful

Debra

VictoriaAustralia

2/08/06

Overall

"Tommo & Hawk"

I just wanted to say "astounding brillance" Bryce has done it again. Keeping me on the edge of my seat. I really love becoming apart of the book being able to picture it in my mind. Being able to picture Tommo in the wild. Listening to both Tommo and Hawks recount of what happened whilst they where kidnapped. Then being their with both of them as they help the Mauri in their fight. I particularly liked the scene where tommo is laying in the water after the battle I felt that, that was a pivotal point. I loved both Characters but I can't help lean towards Hawk as he is this gentle giant that wants only the best for people and fights for the suppressed and his dedication to his brother over everthing else in Hawks life. I was particualarly surprised at the ending, however I liked the fact that Tommo gets what life is about. Bryce is I would say one of the best writers that I have come across. I remember Bryce saying " I never learnt anything out of history books" And I can say thanks to Bryce I have learnt more out of these books than I have ever from history books about my own country. I have listen now to all the audio titles and I have not been dissappointed on any of them. I can't wait for the last in the triology of Solomons. Also waiting for the others that I know he has written as well. Thanks Bryce

12 of 14 people found this review helpful

Debbie

Toney, Alabama

29/10/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Crazy Love . . . Crazy History . . . Wow!"

The more I read Bryce Courtenay's books, the more I learn, and the more I LIKE learning . . . From England to Austrailia to New Zealand . . . I'm not so good at a strict dose of history . . . but OMG, this is so NOT THAT. This second book about the two twins, one black and one white, born to whore in the port that whalers frequented, and then claimed by an unlikely pair, Ikey Solomon and Mary Abacus, is a remarkable tale of the love between two brothers. And so much more . . . I can't wait to listen to the last book in the trilogy . . . a few more day until my next credit!!!

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Dave

Stillwater Lake, NS, Canada

19/02/09

Overall

"Tommo and Hawk"

I thought the "Power of One" was one of the greatest book I ever "read" ("heard"). Then I "read" the "Potato Factory" and fell in love with Ikey Solomon, despite his dreadful character. I also totally enjoyed the "Potato Factory". Then came the brilliant "Tommo and Hawk". Words cannot describe my enjoyment. The characters are enthralling, the story line unmatched by anything else I have ever read or heard.
Bruce Courtenay is in a galaxy of his own and Humphrey Bower brings it all to life. It is incredible how he can bring so many different characters, male and female, to life. You know when you "read" a book and you don't want it to come to the end.
Thank you Bruce! Thank you Humphrey! Thank you Audible.com for letting it all come to life.

10 of 13 people found this review helpful

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Louise K.

27/07/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"I'm addicted to Bryce and Humphrey!!"

Narrator is outstanding really bringing all the characters to life. Absolutely loved this book and now to Solomons Song....

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

H. J. Collins

UK

29/05/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Australian epic"

Fantastic story brilliantly narrated. Part of a trilogy starting with The Potato Factory. Excellent adventure.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

jens

19/02/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Fantastic in a different way than book 1"

Once again a 5 star rating. Different place and different time, but new adventures and truly amazing characteristics once again. Can't wait to get the last book!

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

brian r

England

30/12/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Moving and gripping story"

Excellent follow up to the potato factory. A reliable author with a real difference. Would recommend to those with an interest is historical novels.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Alicia

9/10/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Well trodden themes, but still good enough"

The gentle black giant and the wily white alter ego is everywhere in film and literature. I wish that it hadn't recalled the awful 'Twins' starring Danny DeVito and Arnold Swarzenegger, but there you go. It's a formula that works, in a way. I was hoping for more of an Australian feel to the books, but there's no depiction of the landscape or the climate or even the people, really. For this reason, I enjoyed the Maori scenes the most. I had to work to rid myself of the notion that we weren't still in London.

Humphrey Bower remains a wonderful narrator, but I would have like to have heard more of Australia in the characters.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Hilary

Shepton Mallet, Somerset, United Kingdom

2/10/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"As good as the first!"

It's always slightly risky to listen to the second of a trilogy when the first has made such an impact. If anything, I was more captivated by this than 'The Potato Factory'. I love the characterisations, the fact that I can't predict what's coming next, that it's a really well-told tale. And again, of course, Humphrey Bower is magic.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Jinty

Wiltshire

4/01/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"The twins unite ..."

What made the experience of listening to Tommo and Hawk the most enjoyable?

without a doubt the wonderful adventure, exciting story that only Bryce could Pen once again.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Tommo and Hawk?

when Mary set off to find her boy Hawk into the wilderness, and the absolutly Fandabbydoosee Maggie Pye !!!!

What about Humphrey Bower’s performance did you like?

Again! as in the Potato Factory he was ********** super. could listen to him all day long

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Tommo and Hawk..

Any additional comments?

this second book in the series is just wonderful I enjoyed it as much as the P Factory. a lot of interesting facts about Australia and how the country was being run , some of which is quite an eye opener,

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Ronan

United Kingdom

14/07/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Good first half, dull second half"

What did you like best about Tommo and Hawk? What did you like least?

Based on the storyline of Twins, in this case Arnie was black and Danny DeVito played cards. The first half was quite interesting but the second half felt like a bulk standard Hollywood triumph of good over evil story.

Would you recommend Tommo and Hawk to your friends? Why or why not?

Possibly

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

Narrator was fine

Did Tommo and Hawk inspire you to do anything?

Question whether to buy the sequel

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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